Mexico, Guatemala to Strengthen Border Security Xinhua
go to original June 29, 2012

Mexico and Guatemala agreed to strengthen security along their border to jointly fight organized crime.

The Guatemala-Mexico border runs between northwestern Guatemala and southeastern Mexico, across which commerce between the two countries as well as the rest of Central America takes place.

Human and drug trafficking as well as illegal immigration between the two countries are rampant due to lax security and geographical conditions along the border.

At a meeting held Wednesday at the presidential palace Los Pinos in Mexico City, Mexican President Felipe Calderon and visiting Guatemalan President Alvaro Colom agreed that the Guatemala-Mexico border should offer safe commercial opportunities to Central America.

Calderon said his country's bilateral relationship with Guatemala is essential for security in Mexico.

He promised that his government would protect the human rights of immigrants from the rest of Central America who pass through Mexico to the United States.

"We have to strengthen cooperation to improve security on the border, especially for all the Guatemalans and Mexicans who travel along the large common border," Calderon said.

Colom stressed the significance of the two countries' strong collaboration regarding "immigrants, security and justice."

"The unequal fight against organized crime is moving forward," Colom said, adding that it would be less unequal if Mexico, Guatemala and Central America are united.

Colom left for Mexico Wednesday to discuss migration, security and trade with Calderon and ended his visit later on Thursday after meeting with Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard.

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